Stone: The Ties that Bind (The Forbidden Love Series Book 4)

by Angel Rose

  “Let Alyssa go, Jacob.”

  “No.”

  A knock on the door startled momma. She stared at me and the tears rolled down her cheeks.

  “Police open the door!” a police officer said.

  “This is FBI business! All clear in here!” Jackson shouted.

  “Open the fucking door!”

  “You need to put down your gun.” Jackson whispered. “How are you going to explain an agent on the floor. It’s over Jacob. This shit is over.”

  The door busted open and two police officers rushed in. Jacob let go of me and I ran to Trudie, pushing her down to the floor. Jacob wrestled with one of the cops and managed to shoot him in the face, then turned quickly and shot the other cop in the head. I’ve never seen anything like that except in movies. I covered my mouth with my hands so I wouldn’t scream.

  Cliff grabbed Trudie and tried to push her out of the apartment. She grabbed me by the arm to try to drag me out with her. I struggled with Trudie to let me go. I pulled myself free from Trudie’s grip and saw momma reach down to one of the dead officers and grab his gun.

  Jackson turned to Jacob and shot him in the leg. Jacob fell against the dining room table. Cliff grabbed Trudie by the arm and dragged her out of the apartment. Jackson stood over Jacob with his gun in his face.

  “Fuck, how many people are you going to kill Jacob?”

  “He shot Mel, momma and Jordania.” I cried.

  Momma stared at Jackson. Gen reached out to grab her arm. Momma shrugged her off.

  “Kill me Jacks. Just do it?” Jacob said smiling.

  “No,” Momma said.

  “Madison don’t do this. I cleared you for going to jail for Sly, but I can’t clear you for shooting your own father. Jackson pleaded. “Madison put the gun down.” Jackson demanded.

  “I killed your brother. He tried to rape me and take the kids.” Momma yelled.

  “I know you had to protect yourself.” He said without removing his eyes from Jacob.

  “I’ll kill Gen if you don’t get out of my way. I swear on Alyssa.” I turned to momma. I shook my head.

  Jackson stared at momma. He knew she would kill her. He stepped away from Jacob.

  “You stupid bitch. You actually think that Jacks is going to let you kill me?”

  He chuckled.

  Mommas hands shook as she pointed the gun at Jacob.

  “You know, I always thought my father raped me.” The tears fell from her eyes one after the next. Momma was shaking. She was crying so much so could barely keep her eyes open. “I lived with that guilt all my life. I was ashamed and when I got pregnant, I wanted to die.” She leaned over him. “But nothing hurt more than the day Stone was killed. I didn’t even get to bury him. He didn’t have a funeral. I don’t know where he’s buried. I only had a memory. A memory that I held close to my heart for eighteen years.”

  “Do you want me to start playing the violin?” he snickered. Momma shot him in the other leg. “You bitch!” he moaned in pain.

  “You made him kill himself. He thought he was my brother and that his father raped me. He couldn’t live with that. You killed him.” She cried uncontrollably. She wiped her tears. “You know, I never cried so much in my life.”

  “Madison, please, just put the gun down. He’s going to jail.”

  “Jail isn’t wear he needs to go. I’m done crying.”

  “Madison, please.” Jackson pleaded.

  “You’re going to die today, Jacob Lewis. You’re not my father.”

  “I never wanted to be. You’re nothing but trash like your mother.”

  Momma pointed the gun at Jacob’s head. Her hands were trembling. Her tears flooded her face. Her cheeks reddened with anger.

  “Madison, don’t!” Jackson yell.

  “This is for Stone.” Momma said crying. She pulled the trigger and shot Jacob in the head.

  Momma stood there for a moment. Her body was trembling. She dropped the gun and fell to her knees. She screamed so loudly it sounded as if she was the one that got shot. I closed my eyes in pain and gasped for air. Gen screamed. Cliff ran inside.

  “What the fuck?” he turned to Jackson. “How could you let this happen?”

  “I suggest you take your sister and leave.” Jackson ordered.

  “You know I can’t…”

  “Look, we don’t need any of this to be public.”

  “How can you explain this fucking mess in my apartment?” Cliff added.

  “I’m calling it in. I just don’t want you to be here. You weren’t involved.”

  “I was. I called the cops here. My unit is involved.”

  “Once my men get here, this will all be taken care of. We’re FBI. You have no jurisdiction over us. I’m sorry Cliff. Thank you for taking care of my niece. We couldn’t have done anything without you or your sister.”

  Jackson shook his hand tightly. He sat on the chair in the kitchen and stared at Jacob. He closed his eyes and shook his head. Momma stood on the floor crying. Daniel ran over to her and grabbed her by the shoulders and wrapped his arms around her. She held him tight. I glanced over at Jackson. A tear fell from his eye, he quickly wiped it with his hand. He looked up and saw me staring at him. He cleared his throat. It was a scene out of a movie. We were the actors, but no one was acting here.

  ****

  We finally got momma up from the floor. FBI men began to appear inside the apartment. There were photographers, the coroner’s office, forensic and men in suits asking a million and one questions. We stood there for hours until the two officers and Jacob’s body were taken away. Trudie sat alone on the sofa. I let go of momma’s arm and walked over to Trudie. I sat by her. Her face was red and her eyes were swollen from crying. I grabbed her hand.

  “Thank you,” I whispered. “You saved my life. You saved all our lives.”

  “I did what anyone would do.”

  “No. You could’ve kept walking.” I hugged her and held on for a moment.

  She hugged me back.

  “It’s time to go.” Jackson said calmly.

  I lifted my head towards Jackson and he smiled at me. I gave him a half smile unsure of what I felt for him at this point. I got up and walked towards momma and Danny. We said our goodbyes to Trudie and Cliff and just like Jackson said, everything was taken care of and we could go home. I don’t know how momma walked away from killing Jacob and wasn’t arrested, but I also knew in my heart, Jackson made sure she would and kept his promise.

  I was glad it was over. I didn’t have to be afraid anymore. I walked over to Jackson and wrapped my arms around him. He patted me on the back and grabbed Gen’s hand. We all walked out of the apartment together not knowing where we were going to go. I didn’t care where we would end up as long as we were there together.

  Chapter 28

  Jackson

  One month later

  I appeared at court to testify in Madison’s defense for killing Jacob. Though I knew she wouldn’t be convicted, we still had to abide by the law. I knew this was a difficult time for her and I knew my testimony would get her cleared. Gen was by my side and when I was called up to testify, Gen kissed me gently on the cheek.

  “I’m so proud of you.” she whispered.

  I kissed her back staring into her eyes and realizing how much I loved her and never wanted to be without her. I saw Alyssa and Daniel sitting and waiting anxiously for Madison. I smiled and they both waved simultaneously. My relationship with Alyssa was slowly developing. I took them all in when Gen and I purchased our apartment on the upper East Side. I was happy to have them there with me, this court case was long and painful for all of them.

  I walked towards the judge and took my oath to tell the truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God. I did exactly that and within two hours, Madison was a free woman. When we heard the verdict “Not guilty” I literally felt nauseous. Madison covered her face with her hands and began to cry. Daniel stood up and Alyssa grabbed Daniel and hugged him. I walked over to
Madison.

  “Hey, let’s get out of here.” I said.

  She removed her hands from her face and glanced up at me. Her gray blue eyes were red. They all resembled each other, it was uncanny. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. I felt as if I owed her something for Jacob being such a piece shit of a father.

  “I…I never thought I’d say this…thank you, Jackson.”

  I suddenly felt a lump in my throat. I hugged her and kissed her forehead.

  “That’s what family is for.” I smiled. “I want you to forgive me Madison.”

  “I have no words for everything you’ve for me and the kids. I’m ashamed.”

  “Don’t. You have nothing to be ashamed about. I’m sorry for ever hurting you and your family.”

  “I forgive you.”

  “Good let’s go.”

  We started to walk out of the courthouse when I was approached by two men.

  “Agent Turner?”

  “Yes?”

  “May we have a word with you?” one of the men said.

  “What’s this about?” I asked.

  “May we speak privately?” they glanced over at Gen.

  “I’ll step to the side. Gen take them to the car and wait there until I get there.”

  Gen walked away with them and I stood behind talking to these men. I knew they were FBI but I didn’t know what they wanted.

  “Can I see some identification, gentlemen?” I said smiling.

  “I’m Special agent Derek Langston” he reached out to shake my hand.

  “I’m Special agent Vincent McGuire.” He nodded his head.

  “What can I do you for?”

  “We were asked to attend this court session today. We needed to know if Madison Stone was going to be cleared on all charges.”

  “She has been. I’m sorry, what’s this all about?” I asked.

  “Agent Turner, we work with the federal protection witness program.”

  “Okay? I’m not putting them into the witness protection program. They’re safe with me.”

  I stepped back, looked towards the car and suddenly became extremely nervous.

  “Agent Turner, do you know someone by the name of Joseph McGuinness AKA Joseph Shelton?”

  “Yes, I worked with him on my case against my brother.”

  “We know.” Vincent said.

  “His real name is Joseph McGuiness. When Joseph was shot, he was taken to the hospital and we did a DNA search. His father was notified in the hospital.”

  “Why are you telling me all this? He’s dead.”

  “Detective McGuiness never knew his son until that day. Because of the nature of the case, Joseph was held in protective custody for the last eighteen years. We knew you were out for revenge and waited for you and Jacob to surface. We knew one of you were going to make a mistake. We’re just glad it was Jacob and not you, Jackson.”

  “You’re mistaken. Joseph is dead. He died in Madison’s arms.”

  “No, Sir. He didn’t die. We took every measure to save his life that day and we did. We needed his testimony for your brother’s case and detective McGuiness’ involvement in fraud.”

  My heart stopped for a moment. I had to catch my breath. I thought this was all a dream. He can’t be alive. This is a trap. I pushed both agents out of the way with my hands and ran to the car.

  “Agent Turner! Wait!” Vincent shouted. Vincent caught up to me. “What are you doing?”

  “This can’t be true.” I said angrily.

  “Agent Turner, that woman needs to know he’s alive.” He whispered.

  “I don’t know how to tell her that.”

  “You don’t have to. We will.”

  I stared at him.

  “If you hurt her. If you’re lying, she won’t be able to take it.”

  “Here, take a look at these photos.”

  Vincent handed me an envelope with two photos. One of Stone when I knew him and one of him now.

  “She deserves to know he’s alive. He’s been waiting for her.” Agent Daniel demanded.

  “Yes, of course. Do what you must do. I’m taking her home with me. She has to stay with me until you tell her.”

  “It might take a couple of months. I can’t give you an exact date. He has to come out of hiding. We have to make sure no one else is involved.”

  “Yeah, clear everything first.”

  I nodded my head and walked towards the car. I opened the door and entered the driver’s seat.

  “What was that all about?” Gen asked.

  “I…I thought I need to get away.”

  “What?” Daniel asked.

  “Let’s just go. My nerves are shot.”

  “Since when does a special agent get nervous?” Alyssa asked.

  “Since right now.” I chuckled.

  We all chuckled slightly and then stood silent. There was more to my story and they knew it. They felt it. There was no way I was telling Madison anything they told me. At this moment, I didn’t believe them. We just needed to move on.

  Chapter 29

  Five months later

  Alyssa

  Jackson let us stay at his apartment for a couple of months. He offered to buy us a loft in the city. Momma was adamant to make it on her own. She didn’t want handouts from Jackson. She was so grateful for everything he had done but she was stubborn.

  Grandma finally convinced momma to let Jackson buy us the loft. He felt like he owed us so much more. He felt guilty and didn’t let us out of his sight. He was more like a father to us. Daniel and I were so excited. We decided to look at schools in the city. We both decided that we would attend Hunter College. Daniel would graduate this year, if they accepted all his college credits from his previous school. I was ready to transfer all my credits from Syracuse University. It was like a dream for me. Just like the movie The Little princess, from rags to riches. How often does that happen in real life? Never.

  Jackson took us to dinner that night. We had to get dress to the nines. Momma, Gen and I shopped on fifth Avenue. Jackson gave us his Black Card. We shopped for three hours and came home with three different fancy dresses and high heels to match. It was exciting to wear a pair of heels and have a great night on the town in New York City.

  The black Cadillac pulled up to the building and we got in. Champagne bottles and glasses were waiting for us. Jackson looked like a million bucks. He was a handsome older man. I thought I resembled him a little but I knew I looked more like his brother Sylvester, my father. We to the restaurant, Eleven Madison Park. It had momma’s name. I thought it was sweet of Jackson to find a restaurant with her name on it. Her slinky silver dress highlighted her blue gray eyes. Her hair was loose in curls and the dress fit her like a glove. We sat at the best table in the restaurant. Jackson ordered champagne and appetizers. We invited grandma Annette. She showed up ten minutes late.

  “Grandma!” I shrieked.

  “Lyssa!” she yelled.

  “Calm down ladies.” Jackson said.

  “Oh, it’s so good to see you all again. It’s been a long time. My sister died.”

  “I’m sorry.” Gen said.

  “Why didn’t you call grandma?” Daniel said.

  “I…I just needed to grieve. I wasn’t good for anyone back then, but I’m better now. I’m not good at grieving. You know that Madison.”

  “Me neither. I understand Annette. I’m so sorry for your loss.” Momma said.

  “Well, I have an announcement to make.” Jackson said. “Waiter!” he called.

  The waiter walked towards Jackson and Jackson whispered something in his ear. The waiter walked away.

  “Hey, momma, can I have a glass of wine?” I asked.

  “um, nope.” She said smiling.

  “please?” I pleaded.

  “Um, nope.” She giggled and handed me the water that was on the table.

  I frowned and pursed my lips to the side. I shook my head and rolled my eyes into my head. I noticed the lights had dimmed in the rest
aurant, the song Perfect by Ed Sheeran began to play. The waiter walked towards the table with two dozen white and red roses and handed them to Gen. Her hands shook as she grabbed them and the smile on her face lit up the room.

  Everyone in the restaurant stood up and you could hear corks exploding from champagne bottles across the restaurant. Jackson stood up and grabbed Gen’s hand as the song continued to play. He walked her to the middle of the restaurant. My eyes opened wide and my lips parted slightly. Jackson stood in the middle of the restaurant, got on one knee, pulled out a tiny black box from his suit jacket and opened it.

  “Genevieve Darling, will you marry me? Jackson asked as he opened the box.

  “Of course, I mean, yes!” she shouted.

  Jackson placed the ring on gen’s finger. He stood up and kissed her on the lips. Her tears fell and he kissed her tears away. Everyone in the restaurant cheered and clapped. I jumped up and down and ran to them both.

  “Oh my god! That was so romantic uncle Jacks!” I shrieked. I hugged them both.

  “Thanks Alyssa.” Jacks said.

  “Were you surprised Gen?” I asked holding her bouquet.

  “Yes, I was. I love your uncle. He’s my soulmate.” She said as her eyes gleamed with joy.

  “Like daddy was momma’s soulmate.” I smiled.

  Jackson nodded. I noticed the tears brimming at the sides of his eyes. He was emotional and when I looked at Gen, her tears fell like a river. It was such a beautiful, romantic moment. I sang softly with ed Sheeran. I turned to see Momma to see she had tears in her eyes. I wanted her to stop crying forever, but I knew she felt empty inside without daddy. She was so overwhelmed with emotions. she got up and walked out of the restaurant.

  “Momma!” I shouted.

  She turned to me.

  “Lyssa, I just need a few moments okay?” she smiled sadly.

  “Momma, I love you.”

  “I love you, too.”

  I walked back inside the restaurant and left momma alone. Daniel and Jackson were drinking champagne. I snuck in a glass. It was awful. It was dry and I nearly coughed.

  Momma finally returned. Her eyes were red and puffy. She sat next to Gen and grabbed her hand where the four carat pink diamond shone in the dim lights of the restaurant. Jackson walked over to me.